* Although smoking is an addiction, people can quit smoking.

* Secondhand smoke is harmful to the health of children, unborn children, family members, and coworkers.

* Quitting smoking cuts the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory diseases.
» Read more: Smoking and Quitting Smoking At A Glance

Health care workers have become extremely active in publicizing the negative effects of smoking. In fact, health care workers have been instrumental in passing various legislation to limit smoking in public; as a result, the proportion of people in the US who smoke has dropped from 40.4% in 1965 to 22.5% in 2002 (data from the US Department of Health).
» Read more: What is in the future for smoking?

Users of nicotine-containing products should understand that all of these products have side effects as well as effects on other underlying medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, asthma, and heart disease. Furthermore, these products can have interactions with other prescribed medications such as pain relievers, blood thinners, and high blood pressure medications. And finally, they do have their limitations. The following guidelines are to help you safely use these products to achieve your goal of quitting smoking.
» Read more: How are nicotine-containing products used safely?

The following products for cessation of smoking are available by prescription only. Nicotine for nicotine replacement therapy is available by prescription as an inhaler or nasal spray (Nicotrol Inhaler and Nicotrol NS).These other forms of delivery of nicotine seem to work as well as the nicotine patches or gum. Prescription nicotine replacement products are more expensive than over-the-counter products.
» Read more: What prescription products are available for smoking cessation?

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) became available over the counter in the 1990’s. The purpose of nicotine replacement therapy is to substitute another source of nicotine while cigarettes are discontinued. By this means, the habit of smoking is eliminated, even though the addiction to nicotine remains intact. But at the same time, nicotine replacement therapy eliminates the symptoms of withdrawal that can trigger more smoking. In addition, behavioral counseling to change smoking-related behavior usually is necessary. Once cigarettes have been replaced during nicotine replacement therapy, the amount of nicotine is then gradually reduced.

Currently, there are different forms of nicotine replacement therapy available over-the-counter and include:

* nicotine transdermal systems or patches (Nicoderm CQ and Nicotrol),

* nicotine polacrilex resin or gum (Nicorette), and
» Read more: Nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking

Due to the addictive nature of nicotine, some form of behavioral modification is often necessary for successful cessation of smoking. Educational programs, hypnosis, and aversion therapy (learning how to avoid cigarettes) are a few options. Smokers may be counseled to avoid specific triggers or situations that lead to smoking. For example, instead of awakening and grabbing a cigarette at the bedside or smoking immediately after a meal, people may be encouraged to replace the urge to smoke with another activity, such as, taking a walk or reading a book.
» Read more: Behavioral modification and self-help literature to quit smoking

Several methods are available to assist those who decide to quit smoking. The main categories of methods are:

* changing the behavior that is associated with smoking;

* self-help literature;

* nicotine replacement therapy; and
* prescription smoking cessation aids.
» Read more: What methods can help a person quit smoking?

* The expected consequences of quitting are irritability, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, and of course, urges to smoke. So, if you feel more short-tempered or distracted or sleepier than usual, don’t worry because these feelings will pass.

* Try to exercise. For example, go for a walk, ride a bike, if you have access to a pool swim, take a yoga or Pilates class.
» Read more: Staying quit smoking

* Get rid of all your cigarettes. Put away your ashtrays.

* Change your morning routine. When you eat breakfast, don’t sit in the same place at the kitchen table. Stay busy.

* When you get the urge to smoke, do something else instead.
» Read more: On the day you quit smoking